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Children Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Network

Month: December 2021

Mental Health

Developing Better Care Systems for Child Mental Health

by Patrica Crawford

There is a wealth of information, care, and treatment options for adults suffering from mental health issues. However, our researchers have identified a great gap when it comes to addressing child mental health. A lot of focus and emphasis is placed on adult mental health while child mental health is overlooked.
Although in the early stages, our health care experts are working towards developing a better care system that will meet the needs of children suffering from mental health.
According to health experts, a lot of investment has been made to prioritize the treatment services for adults, leading to many children receiving…

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Mental Health

The Relationship Between Mental Health and Early Puberty

by Patrica Crawford

Puberty is a phase of development where the body becomes mature to facilitate reproduction. Sexual maturation includes getting the first period and development of breast tissue for girls.
For boys, the testes begin to mature. Usually, puberty begins in late childhood, between 11 to 12 years for boys and 11 years for girls on average
This stage in life is associated with emotional and behavioral issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substances. Research has shown the possibility of stress and mental health being a major cause of early puberty.
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of …

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Mental Health

Managing Panic and Anxiety During COVID-19

by Patrica Crawford

With the lockdowns experienced in most parts of the world, there is no denying that this is a stressful time. Consequently, stress and uncertainty can cause panic, where the emotional system overrides the thinking part of the brain.
The brain’s emotional system, also known as the amygdala, is activated during an emergency.
This results in fight-or-flight response or survival mode, triggered by the need for self-protection, preservation, and safety.
Unfortunately, panic responses can negatively impact society. If not dealt with, panic can lead to anxiety.
There is so much to worry about in the current …

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Genetics

Finding Out Whether Twins are Fraternal or Identical

by Patrica Crawford

More often than not, parents of twins always seek to know whether they are identical or fraternal. There are many misconceptions around twins, one of which is that identical twins must look identical and behave the same. Others assume that identical twins share a placenta.
Generally, there are two types of twins; fraternal and identical twins. Fraternal twins do not share the same genetic sequence but only share the same womb. Basically, twins that are a boy and a girl are fraternal.
On the other hand, identical twins are genetically the same, and they occur when an early womb splits. Twins that share a placenta are more …

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Genetics

The Common Link in Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Patrica Crawford

There have been several autism research and studies seeking to identify the genetic and environmental causes for autism. There has also been an ongoing debate on how autism occurs, whether it is a single disorder or a collection of different disorders.
According to recent genetic research, hundreds of different genes lead to autism. Another discovery has established that there could be a common link in most autism patients.
Relationship Between Epigenetics and Autism
Genetic and environmental factors like stress, pollution, lifestyle, and diet can affect the switches for our genes. Epigenetics is the switch that …

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Genetics

Rewriting the History of Your Genes

by Patrica Crawford

Studies suggest that there are measures that one can take to lower the risk of inherited disease for the current and next generations.
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the material that carries genetic instructions for the growth, development, reproduction, and functioning of organisms and viruses. Basically, it is the language of the generations that was passed down to us from our ancestors, which we then pass down to our children and grandchildren.
DNA works with epigenomes, which are responsible for changing how the DNA is read. Several factors can affect the epigenome, and this includes the external…

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Research

Is Red Wine Linked to Genetic Diseases?

by Patrica Crawford

I am a Clinician researcher and a director at the Children Neurodevelopmental Disorders Network, and I will address red wine and Friedreich ataxia.
Friedreich ataxia is a genetic disorder that one inherits from both parents through the “Autosomal recessive transmission.” The disease occurs when a faulty gene lowers the amount of frataxin, an important protein that promotes the health of key cells in the heart and the nervous system.
Friedreich ataxia occurs when both parents of the affected individual have one faulty gene while the other is unaffected. In this case, there is a one in four chance that the child will get …

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Research

Mindfulness in Pregnancy: What are the Benefits?

by Patrica Crawford

Although a beautiful and exciting journey, becoming a mother can be very stressful for women. There is not much to worry about during pregnancy from physical health problems, fear of labor, midnight worries, swollen legs, and fears about the baby’s health.
According to studies, 18% of pregnant women suffer from depression while 21% suffer from anxiety. Studies also show that maternal stress can negatively impact developing babies, leading to psychological issues, lower birth weights, or preterm labor.
Stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy can also increase the risk of cognitive delays, behavioural disorders, and …

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